The photos of Xolisani “Nomeva “ Ndongeni posing with US celebrities, including famed actor Sylvester Stallone, has unleashed a wave of concern in local boxing circles about his readiness to make an impact in his boxing debut tomorrow.
Ndongeni’s multitude of fans took to social media questioning his state of readiness after the popular boxer posted pictures of himself with the US celebrities.
Ndongeni will fight in America for the first time when he takes on once-beaten Mexican Juan Garcia Mendez in a lightweight scrap in Corona, California.
The fight, to be beamed live on ShowBox, is part of the tournament dubbed “Next Generation” featuring bouts involving unbeaten or once beaten boxers from other countries.
It will be headlined by the welterweight clash between Taras Shelestyuk and Jimmy Herrera.
There will also be an appearance by the highly touted unbeaten Brazilian lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas who will take on Manuel Mendez. Freitas is a nephew of former multi-world champion Acelino Freitas.
Moldova will also be represented by Constantin Bejenaru who will face Steve Bujaj in a cruiserweight clash of unbeaten stars.
With so many boxers looking to make a big impact on the US boxing scene, concerns have been raised about Ndongeni’s readiness especially as he is accused of concentrating on meeting US celebrities than making an impact in the ring.
Besides Stallone, Ndongeni has also been posting photos of himself with Filipino star Manny Pacquiao, who is preparing for his ring return when he will challenge Jessie Vargas for the WBO welterweight title on Saturday.
Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach also posed with Ndongeni while the KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) born boxer also posted some photos of him seemingly enjoying life in California.
But Ndongeni’s promoter Rodney Berman, who is in the US with the boxer, allayed any fears.
“Nomeva knows what is at stake here and I think him meeting with Pacquaio and Roach will do him a world of good,” said Berman.
“ If anything this should motivate him to know that he has now arrived at the big stage but he will need to do his job in the ring. There are so many prospects looking to make a name for themselves in the tournament so he needs to stake his claim as well.”
Indeed Ndongeni’s fight against Mendez has been relegated to a walk out bout as it has hardly been mentioned in the bill.
Instead the spotlight has been on Shelestyuk especially as he is one of the vaunted 2012 Ukrainian Olympic Boxing Team which has already produced the world’s ultra-talented two division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko who won a world crown in only his second professional fight.
“Nomeva is in serious competition here and he will need to produce a breathtaking performance to capture the attention of the audience,” reasoned Berman.
Ndongeni is unbeaten in 21 bouts and his second spot ranking by the WBA makes him a favourite against Mendez, who is unranked.
On wrong side of camera
Ndongeni’s multitude of fans took to social media questioning his state of readiness after the popular boxer posted pictures of himself with the US celebrities.
Ndongeni will fight in America for the first time when he takes on once-beaten Mexican Juan Garcia Mendez in a lightweight scrap in Corona, California.
The fight, to be beamed live on ShowBox, is part of the tournament dubbed “Next Generation” featuring bouts involving unbeaten or once beaten boxers from other countries.
It will be headlined by the welterweight clash between Taras Shelestyuk and Jimmy Herrera.
There will also be an appearance by the highly touted unbeaten Brazilian lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas who will take on Manuel Mendez. Freitas is a nephew of former multi-world champion Acelino Freitas.
Moldova will also be represented by Constantin Bejenaru who will face Steve Bujaj in a cruiserweight clash of unbeaten stars.
With so many boxers looking to make a big impact on the US boxing scene, concerns have been raised about Ndongeni’s readiness especially as he is accused of concentrating on meeting US celebrities than making an impact in the ring.
Besides Stallone, Ndongeni has also been posting photos of himself with Filipino star Manny Pacquiao, who is preparing for his ring return when he will challenge Jessie Vargas for the WBO welterweight title on Saturday.
Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach also posed with Ndongeni while the KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) born boxer also posted some photos of him seemingly enjoying life in California.
But Ndongeni’s promoter Rodney Berman, who is in the US with the boxer, allayed any fears.
“Nomeva knows what is at stake here and I think him meeting with Pacquaio and Roach will do him a world of good,” said Berman.
“ If anything this should motivate him to know that he has now arrived at the big stage but he will need to do his job in the ring. There are so many prospects looking to make a name for themselves in the tournament so he needs to stake his claim as well.”
Indeed Ndongeni’s fight against Mendez has been relegated to a walk out bout as it has hardly been mentioned in the bill.
Instead the spotlight has been on Shelestyuk especially as he is one of the vaunted 2012 Ukrainian Olympic Boxing Team which has already produced the world’s ultra-talented two division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko who won a world crown in only his second professional fight.
“Nomeva is in serious competition here and he will need to produce a breathtaking performance to capture the attention of the audience,” reasoned Berman.
Ndongeni is unbeaten in 21 bouts and his second spot ranking by the WBA makes him a favourite against Mendez, who is unranked.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos